iPS 3531 
l.fl28 L3 




DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Laree Cataloeue Fr.^ 
PrCce 15c each. Postpaid, Unless Different Pr:ce Is G^ven 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

Aaron Coggs, Freshman, 3 

acts, 2j4 hrs (25c) 8 8 

Abbu ban OJ Old Japan, 2 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 15 

After the Game, 2 acts, 1% 

hrs (25c) 1 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 4 4 

All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 

2Vi hrs ". (25c) 6 10 

American Hustler, 4 acts, 2}^ 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 

2V2 hrs (25c) 9 7 

At the End of the Rainbow, 3 

acts, 2]4 hrs (25c) 6 14 

Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 8 4 

Black Heifer, 3 acts. 2 h. (25c) 9 3 
Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, l}i hrs. 

(?5c) 17 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2J4 

hrs (25c) 7 3 

rirother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Burns Rebellion, 1 hr (25c) 8 5 

Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2'/i h. (25c) 7 4 
Civil Service, 3 acts, 2^4 hrs. 

CSc) 6 5 

College Town, 3 acts, 254 

hrs (259) 9 8 

Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs. . 7 4 
Daughter of the Desert, 4 

acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 6 4 

Deacon Dubbs, 3 acts, 2l^ hrs. 

(25c) 5 5 

Deacon Entangled, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2''4 

. hrs (25c) 8 4 

Qream That Came True, 3 

•' acts, 2li hrs (25c) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr....(25c) 10 
Enchanted Wood, 1 fi h.(35c).Optnl. 
Everj-youth, 3 acts. I 'A h. (25c) 7 6 
Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

1% hrs (25c) 9 14 

Heiress of Iloetown, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 4 

Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 acts, 

2 hrs. (25c) 3 5 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 12. 

Honor of a Cowbov, 4 acts, 2^ 

hrs '. (25c) 13 4 

Indian Days, 1 hr (SOc> 5 2 



In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 2^ 

hrb (25c) 6 4 

Iron Hand. 4 acts, 2 hrs.. (25c) 5 4 
Jayville Junction, l^^ hrs.(25c) 14 17 
Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 

214 hrs (2Sc)10 9 

Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 6 12 

Laughing Cure, 2 acts, IM hrs. 

Crc) 4 5 

Lexington, 4 acts, 2^:J h. .(25c) 9 4 
Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2^ hrs. 

(5c) 7 4 

Lodge of Kye Tyes, 1 hr.(25c)13 
Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 5 2 

Mirandy's Minstrels. . . . (25c) Optnl. 
Mis. Tubbs of Shantytown, 3 

acts, 214 hrs (25c) 4 7 

New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr.... 3 6 
Old Maid's Club, IJ^ hrs. (25c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 6 

Old School at Ilick'ry Holler, 

114 hrs (25c) 12 9 

On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

21/2 hrs (25c) 10 4 

Out in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 
Parlor Matches, 2 acts, IJ^ hrs. 

(25c) 4 5 

Poor Married Man, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2^ h.(25c) 7 4 

Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 

Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2% 

hrs (25c) 10 12 

Savageland, 2 acts, 2j/$ hrs. (50c) 5 5 
School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1}4 't's. 6 5 
Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs.. 6 6 
Sewing for the HeTthen, 40 min. 9 
Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 

Star Bright, 3 acts, 2]^ h. ( ^5c) 6 5 
Teacher, Kin I Go Home? 2 

scenes, 35 min 7 3 

Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Thread of Destiny, 3 acts, 2^ 

hrs (25c) 9 16 

Tonv, the Convict, S acts, 2J/^ 

hrs (2Sc) 7 4 

Town Marshal, 4 acts, 2 '4 

hrs (25c) 6 3 

Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 2% hrs. 

(25c) 6 18 

Trip to Storyland, 1 '4 hrs. (25c) 17 23 
Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2^4 hrs. (25c) 8 3 
Under Blue Skies, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 7 10 

Under the Laurels, 5 acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 
When the Circus Came to 

Town, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. (25c) 5 3 



T.S.DENISON&COMPANY^Publishers.154W.RandolphSt.. Chicago 



The Lady of the Library 



A COMEDY DRAMA IN THREE ACTS 



BY 

EDITH F. A. U. PAINTON 

AUTHOR OF 

'As a Woman Thinketh," "A Burns Rebellion" "The Class Ship, 
"Clubbing a Husband," "The Graduate's Choice," "Hypno- 
tising a Hypnotist" "The Laughing Cure," "A 
Prairie Rose," "Wanted: A Cook," "The 
Winning Widow," "The Com- 
mencement Manual," etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 



P5^5SJ 
THE LADY OF THJ^ LlBRARY 

CHARACTERS. 

Judge Oliver Whitcomb 

The **Big Man" of Rushmore. . (Old Man Lead) 

Burr Edgeworth 

A High School Student {Juvenile Lead) 

Rev. Harding, a Young Preacher {Character) 

The Postman ( Utility) 

Samuel Shadrach Sherman, the Janitor. .. (Co//i^c?ian) 
Mrs. Edgeworth, Burr's Mother, President of Library- 
Board {Heavy) 

Miss Crompton, a High School Teacher {Utility) 

Mrs. Clara Nelson, Mother of Ruth {Utility) 

Ruth, the Postman's Bride {Character) 

Katherine Carter, the Village Poetess {Character) 

Susanne, the Movie Actress {Ingenue) 

Almira Hazlewood 

The Librarian's SHm Sister {Character) 

Rachel Hazlewood 

The Librarian's Weighty Sister {Character) 

Pearl Reynolds, the Assistant Librarian.. {Juvenile Lead) 
Avis Hazlewood, the Lady of the Library {Lead) 



Time — The Present. 



Place — Rushmore, a New England Village. 



Time of Playing — About Two Hours. 



SYNOPSIS. 

Act L Reading Room of the Public Library. Friday 

Morning. 
Act. H. Same as Act L Friday Evening. 
Act HL Same as Acts I and H. Saturday Evening. ^. 



copyright, 1917, BY EBEN H. NORRIS 

©CI.D 47794 

SEP 12 1317 



f'^ 



n4^: 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 



SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. 

Act I. Morning at the Library. Sam's busy day. A 
movie actress in ordinary role. "Miss Avis won't be an old 
maid when she's a hundred." Burr warns Pearl against 
the fate of a spinster. The missing book. The Newly- 
Weds exchange ''greetings" by the way. Avis expresses 
her love for the books. "The Lady of the Library." Mrs. 
Nelson recalls old times. The new preacher feels called to 
set to rights a few things. "Would you close the doors of 
knowledge to your four-footed brothers?" Mrs. Edgeworth 
exerts her authority. Burr declares himself and is met by 
a counter declaration. A startling insinuation. Avis un- 
locks the chambers of the past. "God be merciful to all 
who are born women !" 

Act II. Avis' guardians talk things over. "She's too 
young." Mrs. Edgeworth on the war-path. Sam assumes 
the blame. "I'm the guy that put the sin in Cincinnati." 
The Judge's return takes everybody by surprise. Susanne 
causes a ripple on the Newly-Weds' matrimonial sea. Mrs. 
Nelson expresses her mind. The preacher interviews Pearl 
and Susanne appeals for religious instruction. Mrs. Edge- 
worth's accusation is met by opposition on all sides. "If 
this was the Judgment Day and you were the Angel of 
Death itself, I could give no other answer!" "I would 
stake my very life on her honesty." The Judge's fruitless 
mission. Burr asserts himself, and Avis declares her sym- 
pathy. The Judge is repulsed. "Lights out, Judge!" 

Act III. Sam gets poetic through literary association. 
The preacher hears the story of Pearl's origin. Avis resigns 
her position. The Judge hears of the pearl ring and finds 
the long-sought child. Mrs. Edgeworth's change of heart. 
"Of course the dear child was not at all to blame." The 
Judge reveals the mystery of the lost volume and Burr con- 
tributes his share to the revelation. Pearl speaks her mind. 
"I have nothing whatever to say to Burr's mother." The 
Newly-Weds have adjusted their difficulties. Mrs. Edge- 



4 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

worth rejoices. "I have always longed for a daughter." 
Susanne frightens the minister. "Go away, lady !" Avis 
receives and answers her letter at last. The Judge "con- 
siders their ages" and gets his "turn" at last. "Is it too 
late to find the minister?" 



THE STORY. 

Judge Whitcomb, the big man of Rushmore, a typical 
village of modern times, has been in love all his life with 
Avis Hazlewood, who, at the time of the play, has reached 
the age of sixty years. He has proposed to her regularly 
every ten years of their lives ; but while she fully recipro- 
cates his affection, she has allowed the claims of various 
duties to keep them apart. 

Ten years before the play is set, the Judge has been called 
to his dying sister in France, and has written his proposal 
to Avis, slipping the letter into a book he had absent-mind- 
edly carried from the library without its being "charged" 
to him, and sending the book to her by a small boy. The 
book was never delivered, and getting no answer to his 
letter, the Judge, finding his sister already dead and her 
child lost, does not return to his old home for ten years. 
On the day of his return the loss of the book is for the 
first time discovered, and Mrs. Edgeworth, president of 
the library board, wishing to find something tangible to 
bring between her son and the assistant librarian, with 
whom he is in love, accuses the girl of its theft. The situ- 
ation is getting considerably strained when the Judge dis- 
covers by accident the identity of the little assistant, and 
finds in her the niece he has so long been seeking. At the 
same time he tells of the loss of the book, and of the letter 
which kept him from happiness for the last ten years, and 
both are recovered. Avis is carefully guarded by two elder 
sisters, whose maneuvers contribute to the amusement of 
the story. All of the villagers have some little part to play 
in the unraveling of the plot and in bringing together the 
two pairs of lovers. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 5 

Note. — The production of this play may be made much more real- 
istic, the cast of characters lengthened at will to include any desirable 
number, and the comedy greatly strengthened, by introducing bits 
of pantomime at every pawse, reproducing in detail the daily routine 
of life in a public library. 

There is no limit to the types that may be introduced — the green 
country boy, who has never before seen a library and is greatly 
interested in every part of it; the small child who brings a note; 
the very old man who totters in with his cane; the group of school 
girls, whispering, giggling and chattering; the athletes from the 
game, yelling just outside the door, and every sort of individual 
touch may be added. The congested condition of the library at 
certain "rush" hours — a long line of "mixed" characters stretching 
from desk to door, waiting to return books, then passing in scat- 
tered lots to shelves to select books, looking them over, reading bits 
here and there, consulting together, then returning to join the second 
line which is having books "charged," thus keeping both Avis and 
Pearl busy — one taking in and the other giving out — each one in 
both lines contributing some little comedy touch, might be intro- 
duced to excellent advantage. 

One point must be emphasized. Every person is busy every 
moment he is on the stage, reading, writing, consulting dictionary 
or book shelves. Assign each his specific bit of "business" and plan 
the "picture" in every detail. Whenever Pearl is at the typewriter, 
throughout the play, she must be operating it, at all pauses in con- 
versation, paying no attention to anything else. H but three keys 
are struck at one time, it adds its bit to the realistic effect. 



COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Judge Whitcomb — Tall, dignified, noble looking, white- 
haired man, about sixty-five, elegantly but not ostentatiously 
dressed. A man of education and culture. Aristocratic in 
bearing and speech. 

Burr — Ordinary student dress. About twenty. Bright, 
jolly, but capable of deep feeling. 

Rev. Harding — Clerical suit of black. Awkward and ill 
at ease, but with an exaggerated sense of his own impor- 
tance and duty. 

Postman — Uniform. 

Sam — About thirty. Ordinary work clothes, neat but not 
showy. 

Mrs. Edgeworth — Elegantly dressed, very important and 



6 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

overbearing. An efifort to overshadow everybody is appar- 
ent. Rustling skirts, haughty air. 

Miss Crompton — Neat, refined Httle woman, studious 
and thoughtful. Tailored suit, hat and gloves. 

Mrs. Nelson — Ordinary street suit for village. 

Ruth — Bridal attire, either all white or lavishly trimmed 
in white. A small, doll-like girl. 

Katherine — Refined, elegant bearing but not forward. 
Poetic. Dreamy. 

SusANNE — Very much ''made up." Dressed "to kill." 
Much ribbons, flufify wraps, jewelry, etc. Constantly fin- 
gering ribbons, chains, rings, etc. Coquettish and conceited. 
Very vain. 

Almira — Very slim and tall. Exaggerate this as much 
as possible. Dressed simply in outdoor attire. Sharp, thin, 
squeaky voice. 

Rachel — Very heavy. Dress in the same sort of clothes 
as Almira, that the contrast may be emphasized. Heavy 
bass voice. 

Pearl — Very sweet, simple, lovable girl, sixteen. Modest 
arid energetic. Dress to taste. Must be very attractive. 

Avis — One of the sweet old ladies whom everybody loves 
at sight. White hair, elegant in appearance, well cared for 
in every way. Energetic and light of motion, graceful and 
alert. Wears hght gray in first two acts. Evening cloak, 
lined with white. Picture hat. In last act a violet gown, 
dehcate of shade, with soft lace about throat and wrists. 



PROPERTIES. 

Act I. Duster and coins for Sam. Books for Burr. 
Watch for Harding. Coat, hat and watch for Pearl. Bag 
of letters for Postman. Black gloves and purse (hand-bag) 
for Mrs. Nelson. Typewriter paper for Pearl. Books and 
magazines for the use of all throughput act. 

Act II. Special delivery letter and delivery book for 
Postman. Watch for Mrs. Edgeworth. Newspaper for 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 7 

Judge. Coat for Susanne. Typewriter, paper, et6., for 
Pearl. Lace handkerchief for Judge. Books and magazines. 
Act III — Scraps of paper and waste-basket for Sam. 
Ring for Pearl. Book with letter for Burr, Judge and Avis. 
Books and magazines. 



Scene Plot. 



Books 



Books 




Cabinet CH Hassock 

^ Screen I I 

WTypewrlter Librarian's 
Desk Desk 



a Table 



Books 



Dictionary 
and Holder 




STAGE DIRECTIONS. 



R. means right of stage ; C, center ; R. C, right center ; 
L., left; 1 E., first entrance; U. E., upper entrance; R. 3 E., 
right entrance, up stage, etc.; R. D., right door; L. D., left 
door, etc. ; D. F., door in flat or back of the stage ; up stage, 
away from the footlights, down stage, near footlights"; \ G., 
first groove, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing the 
audience. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 



Act L 

Scene: Reading room in a small country-tozvn library. 
Books on shelves across hack and right side of stage, with 
opening between at center back for passageway to back 
room, but with no door. This doorway shotild also be 
backed zvith books. At right of doorzvay, facing front, is 
the librarian's desk. At right, between center and rear of 
stage, stands the assistant's desk, with typewriter thereon. 
Down right is long reading table with six chairs arranged 
about its sides and one at rear end. Across from this along 
left side is another long reading table, similarly furnished 
with chairs, zvhile behind it, along left zvall, is a bench for 
readers' use. Both tables are zvell supplied zvith magazines. 
At rear, on left of center doorzmy, stands a dictionary in 
its holder, while on the right of the librarian's desk is a low 
seat, hassock, with screen in front. Betzveen the typezvriter 
desk and rear of stage stands a cabinet zmth card index. A 
telephone, vase of flowers and a small clock are on the libra- 
rian's desk. Pictures of authors grace any z'acant spaces on 
the zvall; rugs, etc., are used at taste of the producer. The 
only outside entrance is at L. 3 E. by door near rear. Lights 
on full throughout act. 

Bright music takes up the curtain. After brief pause. 

Enter Samuel Sherman from C. with duster. 

Sam. This is some world, all right, all right. Nothing to 
do but work. (Dusts around carelessly for a little, zvhistling 
some lively air. Then whisks duster over backs of hooks 
at rear left and watches dust in amazement, jumping back 
as though startled and brushing clothes vigorously.) Whew ! 
Now, where did all that dust come from? 'Tain't been 
more'n six months since I dusted every one o' them books ! 
People that read 'em must be mighty dirty folks. I'll tell 

8 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 9 

Miss Hazlewood to be careful who she lets handle 'em after 
this. (Walks table L., zvrites on it zmth finger.) "Samuel 
Shadrach Sherman" — that's me all right. Looks bigger'n I 
feel, though. (Takes up magazine and turns pages.) 
Humph! Not a tarnel thing in the magazines nowadays 
but ]tow to get rich with nothing doing! Everybody wants 
to sell you the earth, with the sun and moon thrown in, for 
a buffalo nickel! Not for mine! (Jingles coin in pockets.) 
Ain't got no pockets to be picked. 

Enter Susanne, L. 

SusANNE. Good morning. Are you the librarian? (Sam 
jumps, dusts table hastily and turns, proudly pidling himself 
up to fidl height.) 

Sam. Me? No, madam, I am the proprietor! 

SusANNE. What? Mr. Carnegie? 

Sam. Well, no ; not quite. I meant to say the proprietor 
of the — (pauses, waving duster loftily) you know — dust- 
rag, mop-stick, fireworks — and all that sort of thing. 

SusANNE. In other words — 

Sam. Mr. Samuel Shadrach Sherman — the cleaner-in- 
chief, madam, at your service. 

SusANNE. I see. Exit man-of-all-money ; enter man- 
of-all-work. Lights low — slow, sad music. And the libra- 
rian? 

Sam. You are a little early, madam. The library doesn't 
open to the public until 8 o'clock. Miss Hazlewood doesn't 
usually get down for an hour after that nowadays ; but Miss 
Reynolds — she's the assister — is sure to be on time. 

SusANNE. I see. Oh, well, I've got more time than any- 
thing else these days. I should worry! {Turns to book- 
cases, rear left.) No objections to my looking at the books, 
I presume. 

Sam. Look ahead, madam. Seeing's free. (She looks 
at books zvhile he walks around, siting her up from every 
side, nodding his approval behind her back.) Stranger in 
Rushmore, ain't you ? 



10 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

SusANNE {ivlthout turning). Somewhat. {Pause.) I'm 
an actress. 

Sam. Gee! 

SusANNE {over her shoulder). In the movies, you know. 

Sam. Whew! 

SusANNE. Looking up costumes, you see — something 
swell and startling — and — and — striking, and all that. 
{Whirls before him, primping and posing to show off dress.) 
Get the effect ? 

Sam {with great admiration) . You bet! {She bozvs and 
smiles coqiiettishly.) May I — be so bold — as to ask your 
name, madam? 

SusANNE {turning again to books). Asking's easy, sir. 
Telling isn't. 

Sam. Oh, if you don't want — 

SusANNE {turning to him). That's not it. You see, I 
don't exactly know. At present my name is Mrs. Miller in 
this State. In Oregon it's Miss Whitney, my maiden name, 
and in Washington and California it is Mrs. Deane, my 
first husband's name. So — better compromise and just say 
"Susanne." I never change that. {Returns to examination 
of books.) 

Sam. Susanne! Gee! That's swell! Susanne — Sam — 
Sam — Susanne! Some class, eh? You don't live in Rush- 
more, then? 

Susanne {turning to him). Well, I eat and sleep here 
now, but I have a trunk in Reno, Nevada, where I am 
getting a divorce from my present husband — 

Sam {disappointed). Then you're married now? 

Susanne. Well, I'm married in Texas, New York and 
Massachusetts ; divorced in South Dakota, Missouri, Alaska, 
Oklahoma and California; a bigamist in three other states 
and a single woman in eight others. 

Sam. Gee! Some syndicate! 

Susanne. Yes, rather a dangerous proposition. But 
{coqiiettishly) at present I am disengaged. {He walks to 
dust desk, she walks down to table L. and sits on left side, 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 11 

opens magazine listlessly.) What about the Hbrariaii here? 
Who and what is she ? 

Sam (coining dozmi). One of the angels of earth, madam. 
A dear Did lady — 

SUSANNE. Old? 

Sam. Yes — sixty, at least. It's a long story. You see, 
there's the Misses Llazlewood — 

SusANNE. Mrs.? Oh! A widow! 

Sam. No, not Mrs. — just miss — three misses — Almira, 
Rachel and Avis, the Lady of the Library. 

SusANNE. Old maid, eh? 

Sam. Not on your life I Just an unmarried lady, if you 
please — alive and in love with life to her finger-tips. Her 
two older sisters who take care of her, and are sort o' bring- 
ing her up right, you know, may be old maids, if you like, 
but Miss Avis won't be when she's a hundred! She's the 
loveliest lady in this town and she gets younger and prettier 
every year. 

SusANNE. How wonderful! 

Sam. Oh, it's amusing to strangers, but we Rushmore 
folks are used to it. She's been in the library thirty years 
now and had a big influence on the life of the town. 
But those old maids — one as big as a barrel, the other as 
thin as a beanpole — watch over every move she makes like 
as if she was only sixteen. But they can't be made to see 
that she's grown up. 

SusANNE. Does she do all the work here? 

Sam. No, there's an assister — Pearl Reynolds — and 
she's a mystery. 

SusANNE. How's that? I love mysteries. Just the thing 
for the movies. 

Sam. a waif. A nurse was bringing her to America — 
dies on shipboard. Nobody knows where she's from nor 
who she is. She lives with Mrs. Carter — our poetess, if 
you please, madam — who brought her up. She calls her 
Aunt Katherine^ — Miss Reynolds calls Mrs. Carter, I mean 
— but she ain't no sort o' real kin. Llere she comes now. 
(Rises and busies himself dusting.) 



12 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

SusANNE. Quick music ! Lights up ! Enter fair, mys- 
terious stranger. (Reads.) 

Enter Pearl Reynolds and Burr Edgeworth^ L. 

Sam. Morning, Miss Reynolds. 

Pearl and Burr. Good morning, Sam. (Burr goes to 
desk, depositing an armful of books. Pearl goes to C. 
doorivay, then tarns, sees Susanne and consults zvatch.) 

Pearl. Am I late? (Exits C. zvith coat and hat.) 

Sam. Oh, no. This lady was early. "The early bird 
catches the worm." 

Burr. Poor worm! I want to consult the dictionary. 
( Opens dictionary.) 

Sam. No extra charge. Help yourself. (Works at table 
R., watching Susanne.) 

Pearl re-enters C. zvithout wraps. 

Pearl. I suppose the Hazlewood ladies thought it was 
too cold and damp for Miss Avis to venture out so early 
this morning. 

Burr (looking up from dictionary) . Aren't they a pair 
of freaks? 

Pearl (sitting at desk). Why, Burr! 

Burr. Well, they are. If Miss Rachel wasn't so fat — 

Pearl. And Miss Almira wasn't so flat. (Both laugh.) 

Burr (zvalks to front of desk and leans on it, face half 
to audience). You must make up your mind to an early 
marriage, Pearl, and avoid such a fate as — 

Pearl (hastily searching drazver of desk to hide face). 
I'd never mind being an old maid, if I could just be half as 
sweet and lovely as Miss Avis. 

Burr. She's a saint. But none too happy. 

Pearl. What makes you think so? 

Burr. Why, you know her story, don't you? (Pearl 
shakes head.) You don't? Why, she and Judge Whit- 
comb have been lovers all their lives, but something or other 
• — nobody but themselves knows what — has kept them apart. 
Now he's over in Europe — she's here — and both living lives 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 13 

of single sadness, each pining for the other, but neither 
wilHng to admit it. 

Pearl. Poor Miss Avis ! Ought you to tell it ? 

Burr. Oh, it's no secret. Everybody knows it. The 
two dragons — that's my pet name for the stern sisters of 
our white-haired Cinderella — are determined to keep them 
separated to the end — and it looks as if they would. 

Pearl. How long has the Judge been in Europe? He's 
the big man of Rushmore, isn't he? 

Burr. Sure. Chief Mogul! Millionaire, you know — 
and all that. Been gone ten years. 

Pearl. Ten years? Since before I came here. 

Burr. Yes, think of it. I was only ten when he left. 
He went to see his sister who was married to a Frenchman, 
and — oh, Pearl, it's dreadful when two real lovers part Hke 
that. You and I just mustn't — 

SusANNE {going to desk). Pardon me, but can you tell 
me where to find a book describing the costumes of the 
Renaissance period? 

Pearl {rising and going to hooks R.). Certainly. Right 
over her. From 821 to 830. 

Susanne (following). Thank you. Do you think — 
{throws appealing glance to Burr oz'er shoidder, zvho is 
watching her admiringly) . Vm not much used to libraries. 
Could it — 

Burr {follozcing). May I — er — help you? 

Susanne {gratefully) . So kind of you. {Throzvs a tri- 
umphant glance at Pearl, zidio resumes seat at desk, look- 
ing over cards, checking hooks, etc. Sam eyes their interest 
zvith disgust.) 

Sam. Well, Til be chewed! {Exits C. zvith duster, 
zvatching Burr and Susanne until off stage.) 

Enter Miss Crompton, L. 

Pearl. Good morning, Miss Crompton. 

Miss C. Good morning. I am returning this book. Miss 
Reynolds. (Sam sticks head in at C. to see zvho entered.) 
'Tlutarch's Lives." (Pearl takes hook, checks it, checks 



14 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

loaning card, etc., puts hook to one side and returns card 
to Miss C.) 

Sam. Gee! Wonder how many lives that guy had. 
{Withdraws C.) 

Miss C. I wonder if there is a copy of "The Philosophy 
of Epictetus" in the library. 

Pearl {rising and going out C). Pll see — "The Philoso- 
phy of Epictetus." 

Miss C. It's very rare, but I wish to consult it, if a copy 
can be found. My students are deeply interested. {Looks 
at hooks R., sees Burr, eyes Susanne zvith disapproval.) 
Why, Burr Edgeworth, you here? 

Burr {emharrassed). Er — yes, Miss Crompton, I was 
on my way to school and^— and — stopped to consult the dic- 
tionary. 

Miss C. {sarcastically) . We have several dictionaries at 
the schoolhouse and — what dictionaries are those in that 
part of the room? 

Burr. Why — er — I know — but — 

Miss C. And your class calls at nine promptly. 

Burr {walking to her). Yes, and I'll go right over with 
you, if I may. 

Susanne. Sudden trumpet call. Alarm from without. 
Exit leading gent. 

Pearl {re-entering C). I do not seem to be able to 
find the book. Miss Crompton. Did you wish to use it 
this morning? (Susanne sits tahle R., facing center.) 

Miss C. Oh, not especially. Any time today. We are 
making a systematic study of ancient philosophies and I 
consider it incomplete without some knowledge of Epic- 
tetus. 

Enter Katherine Carter, L. Walks to desk. All how. 

Pearl. Pll ask Miss Hazlewood. She will know. 

Miss C. Yes, indeed. What would we ever do without 
that wonderful woman in this town? She is well named 
the Lady of the Library. Every day I thank her for the 
influence she exerts over the reading of our students — 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 15 

directing their lines of thought, suggesting, in that sweet, 
subtle way of hers, the best paths, sowing the seeds of cul- 
tured taste in classic lore, how much our whole community 
owes its Lady of the Library for the refining force she is — 
the whole blessed personality of her ! 

Katherine. I often think she's like a sweet and deli- 
cate flower and doesn't guess the value of her fragrant 
breath. Though this room is alive with the thought of her, 
yet it seems like a deserted house, with the shades down 
and the fires out, until she comes in. 

Burr. Like home when mother's away. 

Miss C. That's it. It's the thought atmosphere she car- 
ries with her, the soul of her shining out — there I go again ! 
(Laughs.) My students tell me I fairly rave whenever Miss 
Hazlewood is mentioned ; but she little guesses how much 
we appreciate her. I cite her as my model of womanhood 
for all my girls, my model of wifehood for all my boys. 
(Turns to go.) 

Pearl. I'll tell her about the book, then Miss Crompton. 

Miss C. Thank you. Come, Burr. (Exeunt INIiss C. and 
Burr, L.) 

Katherine. Have you a rhyming dictionary. Pearl? 

Pearl. I think so. (Rising, searches shelves behind 
desk.) Yes, Aunt Katherine. Here is one. (Hands book.) 

Katherine (rapidly turning pages). I am so anxious to 
get this poem completed before the Enterprise goes to press 
this week. It is really Chaucerian in tone ; but somehow, I 
can't find the proper rhymes, and the meter won't measure 
correctly, and I'm having such a time. Verily, the life of a 
poetess is hard. 

Pearl. I hope this will help you out of all your troubles. 
Aunt Katherine. 

SusANNE (coming to desk). Have you "She"? (Pearl 
goes to shelf at R.) 

Katherine. Dear me ! What grammar. You should 
ask if "She" is in the library. 

Susanne. Dear me ! What a superfluity ! I might find 
too many "shes" if I tried that stunt. (To Pearl, who 



16 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

hands her book.) Thank you. {Returns to seat at table 
R., while Katherine goes to table L., sits and writes.) 

Enter Postman^ L., with bag of letters. 

Postman. Letters ! Letters ! Mail — and female. 

Pearl {laughing as he unloads them). Thank you. 

Postman {thoughtfidly as he shifts letters through his 
fingers, reading the postmarks and addresses). Pve brought 
Miss Avis the mail for a good many years now. It would 
do me as much good as it would her — almost — if I could 
see one come in again in the old familiar handwriting that 
used to come so much. But — they don't seem to turn up. 
I guess that's all this morning, Miss Reynolds. {Starts to 
leave as—) j,^^^^^ -^^^^^^ ^ 

Ruth. Oh, here you are, lovie. 

Postman. Bless the birdie! {They embrace.) 

Ruth. I just thought Pd find my precious honey-boy 
somewhere around here. It's just been a whole year — so 
it has — since he left his wife all aloney. Poor dear old 
manie. Him does have to work so hard to keep his little 
wifie! 

Postman. And poor little wifie has to stay all aloney. 
And her just has to hunt up her boy, doesn't her? Bless her 
dear little heart ! {Exeunt Postman and Ruth^ arms around 
each other, L.) 

SusANNE. Soft tinkle of bells. Enter Newly-Weds! 
Deliver me! They remind me of "Babes in the Wood." 

Katherine. Pardon me. Perhaps you mean ''Infantile 
Innocents in the Recesses of the Forest." 

Susanne. Well, I didn't — but — have it your way. It's 
all the same in Dutch. Wouldn't it be great sport to strike 
up a flirtation with Mr. Lovey-Dovey? 

Pearl {shocked). Impossible! 

Susanne. Think so? Wait and see. Men are all aHke 
— when you get acquainted with them. 

Enter Avis and Rachel, L. 

Avis. Am I very late. Pearl? 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 17 

Pearl (rising). Oh, no, Miss Avis. There has been 
very little to do so far this morning. Let me take your 
wraps. (Avis removes coat and hat, gloves, etc., and hands 
them to Pearl, zvho carries them out C.) The mail just 
came. 

Avis. The mail? (Sorts letters eagerly, reading address, 
postmark, etc.) 

Rachel (zvalks to table L., talks to Katherine). It was 
too damp this morning for a girl like Avis to risk being out. 
Almira and I made her wait until the sun was up. We can't 
be too careful of these young people, Mrs. Carter. 

Katherine. Of course not. But Miss Avis seems — 

Rachel. Oh, she's as strong as most girls, I reckon, but 
we can't run any risk. Are you sure it's warm enough here. 
Avis? 

Avis. Plenty, thank you, Rachel. (Still reading letters.) 

Enter Sam, C, followed by Pearl. Pearl sits typezvriter. 

Rachel. Hadn't you better keep on your coat and hat? 

Avis (sits desk, opening letters). Oh., no; it's very com- 
fortable, Pm sure. 

Rachel (sniffing the air). I don't know. If you should 
catch cold — 

Sam. I'm sure it's nice and warm. Miss Hazlewood. 

Rachel. Nobody asked you to be sure about anything, 
Sam Sherman. Speak when you're spoken to. 

Sam (meekly). Yes'm. 

SusANNE (walking to desk to return book). But it's 
really very warm here — 

Rachel. And who may you be, tricked out like a wax 
doll on the Christmas tree? If it's so very warm, as you 
say, look out that you don't melt and all your coloring run 
to waste. Good-bye, Avis. Don't have too much air in the 
room, and keep out of draughts. 

Avis (looking up from letters). I will, Rachel. Good- 
bye. 

SusANNE (standing zvhere Rachel stopped her before). 
But— 



18 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

(Rachel squelches her with a long look. Susanne drops 
head and returns to table. Rachel turns to go. Meets 
Sam.) 

Sam. And — 

(Rachel motions him out of her way with a look of dis- 
dain. He zvilts. Rachel exits L.) 

Avis {after a pause). Were these all the letters, Pearl? 

Pearl. Yes. 

(Avis sighs, rises, goes to Pearl and hands her a hunch 
of them.) 

Avis. You may answer these. I will have to dictate 
answers to a few later in the day. {Turns to shelves and 
touches hooks gently, pushing one here and pidling one 
there, readjusting all with loving touch.) The dear books! 
How glad I am to bid them all *'Good morning" again, 
Pearl. What a silly old thing I am to miss them so much 
over night. But I do. Often I wake at night and think of 
them here all alone and wonder if they're cold and lonely 
and wakeful as I am. They seem so like real, living friends, 
that I'm actually lonely for the touch of them when I go 
away. 

Pearl. And I beheve they miss you, too, Miss Avis. 

Avis {eagerly turning to her). Oh, do you think so? 
Do you really? 

Pearl. I certainly do. Do not the authors put their 
very souls into books ? And don't the souls live on and on 
and on? 

Avis {behind Pearl's chair, leaning on it). I didn't know 
that anybody but myself had such a curious fancy. Pearl ; 
but often, when I read a book I feel that the spirit of the 
writer comes very, very close, helping me to understand his 
inmost thoughts as I read the printed page. Especially is 
this true of Whitman, where he says: 

When you read these . . . realizing my poems, 

seeking me. 
Be it as if I were with you. Be not too certain but 

I am now with you. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 19 

Pearl. The books do know you. They begin to beam 
and smile and glow — really look alive when you come in. 
Did you never read Aunt Katherine's poem about it? 
Avis. No. 

Pearl. I suppose she didn't dare show it to you. It's 
lovely. I only remember a part of it, but the bit I like best 
runs something like this : 

Not hers the glow that breeds desire 

For storms of controversial war! 
The light of the diviner fire 

Reveals to her all life is for: 
Not hers the conflict or the strife 

That weaker, smaller natures see ; 
Hers to inspire the inner life — 
True Lady of the Library ! 

Among the books her glowing face 
Secures the setting it requires; 
Among the master-minds her place 

Is fixed, to kindle smouldering fires ; 
The very books there know her touch, 

And wake to Hfe for such as she; 
At night-time, missing overmuch 
Their Lady of the Library. 
Avis (deeply touched). It is beautiful, far too beautiful 
for me. {Turns to shelves again.) 

Pearl. That reminds me. Miss Crompton asked for 
"The Philosophy of Epictetus" this morning, and I couldn't 
find it. I see there is a volume of it in the catalogue — No. 
633 — but it isn't on the shelf, nor has it been checked out. 
I can't seem to recall ever having seen it. Maybe it was 
hiding from me — just waiting for you. 

Avis. We had a copy, I know. {Consults card index 
while Pearl typewrites. As she speaks Pearl stops.) I 
remember it. It was on the top shelf back in the reference 
room with the books so seldom called for. I haven't seen 
it for years. I'll look. (Exits C. Calls out C.) Sam, 
bring the step-ladder, please. (Pearl typezvrites. Pause.) 



20 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Enter Clara Nelson, L. Walks to desk. 

Pearl (leaves typewriter, goes to library desk to meet 
her). Good morning-, Mrs. Nelson. 

Clara. Good morning. {Looks all around, speaks mys- 
teriously.) Has the postman been here yet, Miss Reynolds? 

Pearl. Yes. Some time ago. 

Clara. And was Ruth — his wife — my daughter — with 
him? 

Pearl. Yes. She met him here. 

Clara. Silly girl ! She can't endure him out of her sight. 
That's what it means to be young and trusting, I suppose. 

Avis (re-entering C). The book isn't here, Pearl. We'll 
have to institute a search. Good morning, Clara. (Pearl 
returns to typewriter. Writes in all the pauses. Avis sits, 
Clara leaning over desk to talk to her.) 

Clara. Good morning, Avis. I declare you're looking 
younger than ever. How do you manage it? 

Avis. Just living — and loving to live, I guess. 

Clara. I was just talking to Miss Reynolds about that 
silly girl of mine — she follows Harold everywhere he goes 
— mail bag and all. 

Avis (smiling). It does me good to see them so happy. 

Clara. Yes, if it will only last. (Sighs.) 

Avis. Oh, it must! 

Clara. Maybe so, maybe so ; but one can never tell. I 
used to think that you and Judge AVhitcomb would make 
just such a couple. Avis. I often wonder yet how you ever 
had the heart to send him away and ruin both your lives. 

Avis. Hush! (Looks all around, startled.) 

Clara. Oh, you always say "hush," and I nearly always 
say "hush," too, for I know it's none of my business; but 
if ever a man worshipped the ground a woman walked on, 
that man was Judge Oliver Whitcomb, and that woman was 
you. Weren't you and I girls at school together, and haven't 
I seen him your lover for fully fifty years? 

Avis (pained). Don't, Clara; please don't. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 21- 

Clara. But it isn't right, Avis. It isn't right. How 
could you treat him so? 

Avis. There was Rachel and Almira — 

Clara. H'm ! And did he want Rachel and Almira ? 
And did they want him? 

Avis. Neither. That was partly the trouble. But don't 
talk about it, Clara. He found out after while that he didn't 
want me. 

Clara. A likely story. It's time somebody talked about 
it. And you growing loveher and sweeter every blessed day. 

Avis. I always have happy thoughts, Clara, even if I 
have to feed them upon sweet memories and blissful dreams 
of might-have-been joys. When the sun shines, the flowers 
open to the light, and the birds carol their praises to the 
Giver of Life, there's the voice of heaven in the heart that 
no tears can drown. 

Enter Rev. Harding, L., ivatch in hand. 

Harding. Have you — pardon me, I see your clock is one 
minute fast. Permit me to correct it. It's a sin to try to 
deceive Father Time. {Sets clock.) We must always be 
perfectly honest with every hour. Good morning, Mrs. 
Nelson. 

Clara. Good morning. 

Harding. Would you mind taking off those black gloves ? 
They give me the horrors. Nobody has a right to deprive 
their hands of sunlight and air by those hideous shrouds. 
Let your hands breathe, woman. Give them sun baths — the 
breath and fire of heaven. {She snatches off gloves and 
puts in purse.) Now, Miss Hazlewood, have you — oh, the 
pretty flowers! May I please give them a fresh drink? 
They look so thirsty. (Clara holds up hands in despair 
and hurries out L.) 

Avis. But I'm sure that Sam — 

Harding. See; the vase is not nearly full. Poor blos- 
soms! Is the faucet out here? {Points C.) 

Avis. Yes. {He exits C. ivith vase of flozvers.) 



22 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

SusANNE. Rag-time music. Enter freak dancer. Mas- 
querade effect. Lights red. 

Avis {looking nervously at books). I do wish I could 
find that volume of Epictetus. I never lost track of a book 
before in all the thirty years I've been in charge here. 

Pearl {looking up from work). It will turn up, Miss 
Avis. 

Harding {re-entering C. zvith vase of flozvcrs). There, 
that's better. See how much happier they look. It's a sin 
to deprive any living thing of its God-given food and drink, 
Miss Hazlewood. That reminds me — have you a basin? 

Avis. A basin? No. 

Harding. Too bad. 

Avis. Why ? 

Harding. There should be a basin of water set some- 
where here for the thirsty dogs. 

Avis. But dogs are never permitted in the library. 

Harding. Not permitted? Oh, how cruel! Would you 
deprive one of God's creatures of the privilege of educa- 
tional pursuits ? Close the doors of knowledge to your four- 
footed brothers ? For shame, Miss Hazlewood ! For shame ! 

Avis. But I — I — it's not my — (Harding crosses to 
Katherine.) 

Pearl. Don't you care. Miss Avis. He doesn't mean 
you. 

Harding {to Katherine). I see you are employing the 
early morning hours in the pursuit of the higher wisdom, 
Mrs. Carter. 

Katherine. Yes, I'm looking for a rhyme to "funeral." 
Can you suggest one? 

Harding. Rhyme? Oh, no, no. Life is too serious to be 
frittered away in such frivolous pastimes, Mrs. Carter. I 
am amazed that you should suggest — 

SusANNE {rising and speaking across to him). Pardon 
me, sir, but are you a minister? A preacher? {Assumes 
great aive and reverence.) 

Harding {turns and crosses to her). I am so honored, 
madam. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 23 

SusANNE (with assumed penitential air). I am a very 
wicked woman, I'm afraid, sir. I — I — I am an actress. 
(Looks appealingly at him.) 

Harding (shrinking hack). An actress? 

SusANNE (bowing). In the movies. 

Harding. Ah! (Aside.) So fair and yet so frail ! 

SusANNE (trembling voice, lays hand on his sleeve). 
Don't you think there's any hope for me ? 

Harding. I fear — ah — (gazes at her, she holds his eye) 
er — do you repent? 

Susanne. I'm not sure. What does it mean to repent? 

Harding. I will tell you, poor soul. (They sit side by 
side at right side of table, at right, and converse in dumb 

'^ Enter Mrs. Edgeworth, L. 

Mrs. E. Good morning, Miss Hazlewood. 

Avis. Good morning. What can I do for you, Mrs. 
Edgeworth ? 

Mrs. E. (at desk). A volume of Browning, if you please. 
I am to arrange the program for our Browning Club, you 
know, and haven't yet had time to begin work upon it. 
(Avis searches shelves, but Mrs. E. turns to Pearl signifi- 
cantly.) I don't suppose Burr has been in this morning. 

Avis (over shoidder). I haven't seen him, Mrs. Edge- 
worth. 

Pearl. He was in this morning on his way to school, 
Mrs. Edgeworth, 

Mrs. E. (sharply). What for? 

Pearl. Why, to — to — to consult the dictionary. 

Mrs. E. Humph! 

Avis (turning from shelf ivith book). Llere's a complete 
Browning, Mrs. Edgeworth. 

Mrs. E. Thank you. (Turns to look for seat.) 

Avis. By the way, we have lost or mislaid a copy of 
"The Philosophy of Epictetus." Have you any idea how 
or where? 

Mrs. E. No. It was a very rare volume, I beHeve. 

Avis. Yes. Dated 1604. 



24 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Mrs. E. And as long as I've been President of the Li- 
brary Board, no volume, valuable or otherwise, has been 
reported missing before. {Looks pointedly at Pearl. 
Pearl looks startled.) 

Avis. I know. 

Mrs. E. Strange. {Still gazing at Pearl significantly. 
Pearl drops head. Mrs. E. smiles in satisfaction.) 

Avis. Can I help you any further? 

Mrs. E. I think not, thank you. Ell sit here, if I may, 
and arrange my work. {Goes to seat behind screen.) 

Avis. Certainly. {Resumes zvork — Pearl her type- 
writing. ) 

SusANNE {looking^ up gratefidly at Harding). Oh, I am 
so grateful to you, sir. And you really think — {rising) 

Harding {helping her adjust coat). I knozv. If you will 
come with me. {She takes his arm and they exeunt L.) 

Enter Sam, C, just in tim^e to watch the play. 

Sam. Well — I zmll be chewed! — teetotally chewed up! 
Katherine {rising to leave). Trust a girl of that kind 
to deceive "the very elect." {Exits L.) 

After a pause, enter Burr, L. 

Burr. Miss Crompton wants to know if the volume of 
Epictetus has been found. 

Avis. No, Burr. We have no idea where it has disap- 
peared. It has not been called for before in ten years. 

Burr. I declare, you're as sweet as a peach today. Miss 
Hazlewood — with, that rose on your cheek and that dream 
in your eyes! 

Avis. What a foolish little boy you are, Burr. 

Burr. But I mean it ; honest, I do. Don't you know 
'tisn't fair to the other girls for you to bathe in this magic 
bloom of eternal youth? I've fought three different fel- 
lows for your favor already — and yet you won't promise to 
wait for me. 

'Twas ever thus ; from childhood's hour 
I've found my fondest hopes decay; 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 25 

I never loved a human flower 

But she was sure to murmur ''Nay!" 

Avis. Such, delightful nonsense, Burr. 

Burr. Well, Library Lady — cruel, cruel lady that you 
are — if you find that book — 

Avis. Wait. Let me take a look through the books in 
need of binding. It may be there. (Exits C, folloiued by 
Sam.) 

Burr (hastily turning to Pearl). All alone for one glo- 
rious minute — really, Pearl? Come over here. (Takes her 
hands and pulls her from the desk.) It seems I never get 
a chance for a word with you. How long do you think a 
fellow's going to stand it ? You'll let me go home with you, 
won't you? (Leads her down front.) 

Pearl. Oh, hush. Burr, hush ! 

Burr. Yes, it's always "hush. Burr, hush !" when you 
know I've just got to get it out. Haven't I been fairly crazy 
about you ever since the very first moment I saw you? And 
doesn't everybody in town know it? Why must I hush? 

Mrs. E. (coming from behind screen and zvalking down 
to step betzveen them). Because I forbid your saying an- 
other word to this girl — that's why! 

Burr. Mother ! 

Mrs. E. You know that this nameless girl is no fit match 
for an Edgeworth. You know that I have forbidden your 
association with the children of the common herd — espe- 
cially this outcast creature whom nobody knows anything 
about. You know — 

Burr. What do I care where she came from, mother, 
or who were her parents? I do not love her for anything 
of that sort. I love her because she is her own dear, lovely, 
noble self — and — because I can't help it. I know — 

Pearl. Oh, Burr, hush! 

Mrs. E. Yes, hush! Speaking of nobility, you also 
know, my son, that a very rare and valuable book has been 
— er — we'll say lost — from the library since this "noble" 
girl came to assist with the work here. You know, as well 



26 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

as I know, that nothing of the kind has ever happened 
before in this town. 

Enter Avis^ C. 

Pearl (horrified). Oh, Mrs. Edgeworth! 

Burr. But, mother — 

Mrs. E. (holding up her hand to enjoin silence). Mind, 
I don't say she took th.e book, but I do say it looks most sus- 
picious — and we shall take an inventory at once, beginning 
this very evening. Unless the book is found, she will be 
called to account for it. Now, my son — come home. 

Burr (tries to take Pearl in his arms, Mrs. E. pulls him 
azvay). Pearl, I — (Pearl turns away, sobbing. Mrs. E. 
drags Burr out L., he looking back.) 

Avis (walking down to Pearl). I am so sorry, Pearl. 
Mrs. Edgeworth does not, cannot, realize how harsh her 
words sound. 

Pearl. Oh, Miss Avis, you mustn't think — 

Avis (taking Pearl in her arms). Bless your heart, 
dear, don't I know how unjust the very thought is? And 
don't I also know how heavy your heart must be? Years 
ago, Pearl — oh, many, many years ago — I, too, had a lover, 
as young and ardent as Burr. 

Pearl. I know. Judge Whitcomb. 

Avis. Years ago I was separated from him by the whims 
and prejudices of others and what I was then made to con- 
sider my duty. A big word is duty, dear, when spelled with, 
the capital D. I am only a silly old woman now, but — Eve 
never learned not to care — never found the way to forget. 
I never shall. I only tell you this sacred tale of my heart's 
life that you may be sure, whatever happens, that I am not 
yet too old to understand. 

Pearl (sobbing on her shoulder). Oh, Miss Avis! Miss 
Avis ! You are so good to me ! I — I — I am so miserable ! I 
think my heart is broken ! 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 27 

Avis. As I thought of mine in the far-off days, dear. 
God be merciful to all who are born women! 

Enter Burr, L. 

Burr (at door L.). Pearl! (Pearl turns and starts 
back. Avis clasps hands, looks up.) 

Curtain. 



Act II. 

Same scene as Act I. Time, evening of the same day. 
Lights low. Almira and Rachel Hazlewood are discov- 
ered, Almira in chair at right of left-side table and Rachel 
in chair at left of right-side table. They have turned the 
chairs to face each other. 

Rachel. Well, Almira, I don't see as we can do any- 
thing more by hanging around here. We've brought the 
child here, safe and sound, and free from insult, once more, 
and I s'pose we may as well go home now till time to come 
and take her home. 

Almira. I see where you're right, Rachel. It's quite a 
task having a girl like her to look after. But — 

Rachel. If anything should happen to her we'd never 
forgive ourselves. And it's never safe for girls of her age 
— especially with such, pretty girls as our Avis, if I do say 
it, as I shouldn't — to be out alone, even in the daytime, let 
alone evening. 

Almira. Just as I always say, Rachel. And we prom- 
ised poor, dear mother that we'd take care of her always. 

Rachel. We must do our best. 

Almira. Avis is a good girl, and all that, but I some- 
times think she has a sort of hankering after that Whit- 
comb fellow yet. She's too young for that sort of thing, 
but— 

Rachel. You never can tell. Even the best of 'em make 
lots of work and worry when you're bringing 'em up. And 
I just feel it in my bones that something's going to happen. 



28 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Almira. In your bones? Humph! Don't see how you 
hear 'em. Now, if it was my bones — 

Enter Avis, C. 

Avis. Are you still here, girls? 

Almira {rising). Yes, but we're going now. You aren't 
alone here, are you, Avis? (Rachel rises and replaces both 
chairs at tables.) 

Avis. Oh, no, Almira. Pearl is here, and Sam, too. We 
are searching for that book, you know, through all the back 
shelves. 

Rachel. Well, then, if you're sure you're all right — 

Avis. Of course, Rachel. 

Rachel. You always say that, Avis, but if you knew 
as much about the wickedness of this world as Almira and 
I do, you'd understand why we are so uneasy about you, 
and what we are trying to the best of our ability and under- 
standing to guard you against. 

Avis. I am sure, Rachel — 

Almira. Now, don't you waste any more words with 
men folks, and be sure you keep the door locked out of 
library hours. A girl can't be too careful, you know. 

Rachel. And for heaven's sakes, don't give people any 
chance to gossip about you. You must think of your repu- 
tation. 

Avis. I will, girls. I'll remember. Good-bye. 

Almira. We'll call for you at 10. 

Avis. Make it 10:30 tonight, girls. We'll be very busy 
and must work late. Good-bye. {Watches them off zvith 
amused smile.) Dear girls! If they only would begin to 
realize that I've grown up ! 

Enter Pearl, C. Enter Mrs. Edgeworth, L. 

Avis. Did you find it. Pearl? 

Pearl. No sign of it. Miss Avis. 

Mrs. E. {sarcastically) . Did you expect to? 

Pearl. I certainly hoped to, Mrs. Edgeworth. I have 
never seen the book, so I do not know just what to look for. 
{Goes to desk at typezuriter and works.) 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 29 

Mrs. E. (cuttingly). A lie-kly story! 
Enter Sam, C. 

Sam. Want a little more light on the subject, ladies? 
(Turns lights on full.) 

Avis (leads down front). Mrs. Edgeworth, you just 
must not blame Pearl for this loss. She cannot possibly 
have had a thing to do with it. I have been librarian here 
for thirty years, as you know, and have had the full respon- 
sibility and care of the books. I alone am to be blamed for 
this. 

Mrs. E. Nonsense! In all that thirty years no book 
was ever lost before. 

Avis. True ; nor ever may be again. But however that 
may be, it is I alone who am to blame. It is through some 
carelessness of my own — 

Sam (coming dozvn). Now, that's all bosh! 

Mrs. E. Just what I say. 

Sam. Listen to me, now. Ain't I here? And don't I 
have to dust them consarn books every day o' their tarnal 
lives ? I handle the books a darn sight more'n either of the 
women folks do ; and if anybody's got to make good for that 
pesky ellick-teeter, I reckon I'm the guy that put the sin 
in Cincinnati. Search me! 

Mrs. E. But searching isn't the it of it. It's the finding 
we want. And that, of course, can never be until the guilty 
party is forced to confession and restitution. (Looks back 
at Pearl, who drops head.) Looks guilty, every move of 
her. 

Sam. Well, I'll be plum swallowed! 

Mrs. E. Have you anything more to say that pertains 
to the point at issue? 

Sam (bezvildered) . That does what to the which? 

Mrs. E. If not, suppose you go and attend to your part 
of the work. We are quite capable of taking care of ours." 

Sam (meekly). Yes, ma'am. (Exits C.) 

Avis. It's no use, Mrs. Edgeworth, to keep stirring up 
discordant currents of feeling. I know the book cannot be 



30 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

replaced, but I will do everything in my power. I am quite 
willing to pay its full value and to put forth every effort to 
procure another copy. The matter should rest here for the 
present, it seems to me, in view of all the circumstances. 

Mrs. E. But that's not the question, Miss Hazlewood. 
You're talking nonsense. The question is, where is our 
copy, and who took it from the shelf? That's the one and 
only point I want cleared up. 

Enter Katherine Carter and Miss Crompton, L. 

Avis (turning to meet them). Good evening, ladies. 

Miss C. And have you brought the Epictetus to light 
yet, Miss Hazlewood? 

Mrs. E. {follozving Avis up). No, and never shall! 
(Avis goes to desk.) 

Miss C. {walking down front, while Katherine sits 
table R.). Oh, don't say that. Everything turns up some- 
time; even people. You know Judge Whitcomb has come 
home, I suppose. (Avis drops heavy hook with a loud 
crash. Everybody jumps and looks back as she sinks into 
chair by desk.) 

Mrs. E. {after heavy pause). When did he come? 

Miss C. On the morning train, I believe. Some time 
today, anyway. (Avis gives stifled sob.) Are you ill, Miss 
Hazlewood? {They walk to desk.) 

Avis {recovering herself with firm effort). Me? Oh, no! 
Quite well, thank you. 

Mrs. E. {again leading dozvn front). By the way, Miss 
Crompton, what sort of work is my son doing at school this 
semester? 

Miss C. Fairly good. As good as the average, I think. 
Of course, he's at the girling stage of his development — 

Mrs. E. That's just what I am wondering and worrying 
about. It's my wish that he be kept entirely away from 
the girl — {slyly motions toward Pearl, raising eyebrozvs 
significantly) you understand? 

Miss C. {glancing at Pearl with sudden enlightenment). 
I see. {Nods head slowly.) I understand. And you wish me — 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 31 

Mrs. E. To keep an eye on him. Increase his work, 
demand more study hours, insist upon closer appHcation — - 
more work and less play, you know. Help me to get the 
best of this affair before it gets too far for interference. 
Why, I'd rather see him dead than tied up to a mere chit 
of a nobody like this one. 

Miss C. She seems a very nice, well-behaved, good- 
natured, sweet-mannered girl, Mrs. Edgeworth. The boy 
might do worse. 

Mrs. E. a nobody — a mere nameless foundling! What 
are you thinking of ! But — you're not his mother. 

Miss C. (hastily). Most certainly not! 

Mrs. E. (confidentially and mysteriously). There's no 
question in my mind where that book has gone. 

Miss C. (startled). What? You can't mean — 

Mrs. E. But I can — and do! That girl — 

Miss C. But what object — 

Mrs. E. Don't you know how valuable the book was? 
It was a very rare edition, worth considerable mone)^. 
She could sell it. 

Miss C. But even so, a girl — (pauses, shaking head). 
What evidence is there to prove — 

Mrs. E. (somezvhat confused) . Oh, no evidence — as you 
might say. None whatever. 

Miss C. Then how — 

Mrs. E. Why, there simply isn't anybody else that could. 
It has to be she. 

Miss C. That's poor logic. 

Mrs. E. And she looks guilty. Whenever I look at her 
she blushes, and — 

Miss C. But any girl would look guilty who knew her- 
self to be under suspicion. 

Mrs. E. Nonsense! A guilty conscience needs no ac- 
cusers. 

Miss C. Anyhow, you can't convict — 

Mrs. E. But I can see that she loses her position — under 
suspicion. 

Miss C. True. That, of course — ^but — 



Z2 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Mrs. E. Would I not be justified — to save my son? 

Miss C. (suddenly understanding). Ah! ( Pauses, eye- 
ing Mrs. E. curiously.) I am not your judge, Mrs. Edge- 
worth. 

Mrs. E. But as for Burr — 

Miss C. You may count on me. (Raises voice.) You 
may be sure, Mrs. Edgeworth, that I have the very best 
interest of all my students at heart. (They walk up to 
desk.) When you find that book, Miss Hazlewood, you may 
send me word by one of the students — or telephone. 

Avis. Certainly. 

Mrs. E. I have an appointment with Rev. Harding, Miss 
Hazlewood, but I'll be back before closing time. 

Avis (listlessly). Very well. 

Katherine (to Miss C. and Mrs. E. as they pass her at 
end of table, L.). What a dear old soul Miss Avis is, and 
what a sweet, sad face tonight. I can't help watching her. 
There's a whole drama in every line of her face. 

Miss C. True ; but it's always full of romance, and 
poetry, and dream the mirror of the soul of fire and fra- 
grance. 

Katherine. Oh, if I could just put that into a poem! 
You say it so beautifully. Good night. 

Miss C. and Mrs. E. Good night. (They exeunt L.) 

Pause. Pearl typewrites. Enter Postman, L. 

Postman. A special delivery. Miss Hazlewood. (Gives 
letter, shozvs book.) 

Avis. Thank you. (Looks over delivery book.) Sign 
here ? 

Postman. If you please. 

Enter Susanne^ L. Postman looks over shoulder at her. 

SusANNE. Beat me, didn't you ? I've been following you 

for blocks. 

Postman. Who? Me? (Turns in surprise to face her.) 
SusANNE. No, not me. You! (Laughs teasingly.) No 

woman can ever move fast enough to catch you — when you 

don't want her to. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 33 

Postman. But what if I do want her to? 

Susan NE. Oh, then yoivll be dead easy — hke all of your 
kind. 

Postman (takes book from Avis, starts L.). Good night. 

SusANNE. Oh, must you go? And so soon? That's an- 
other blow. You fellows are not on duty at night, are you? 

Postman. No, but my wife — 

SusANNE (teasingly). Oh, yes. The little "birdie" all 
alone-y, in her cage-y. I forgot him was such a nice, good 
little brand-new hubby that he mustn't get loose from lovey- 
dovey 's apron string. (Laughs.) Don't look at me that 
way. It's naughty. Better go right straight home to his 
wifie, like a dear little honey boy. 

Postman. I wish you'd — 

Enter Clara Nelson and Ruth, L. Postman turns to 
deck. Susanne laughs. 

Ruth. Why, there's Harold. I couldn't imagine where 
you had gone. (Looks suspiciously at Susanne, zvho zmlks 
doziii front, laughing mockingly.) 

Susanne. Quick music. Green light. Register jealousy. 

Postman. Just started for home, sweetie. Brought a 
special to Miss Hazlewood. Come on. Let's get out of this. 

Ruth. But mother — 

Clara. Trot along, children. I was once young myself. 
I'm old enough now to take myself safely home when I get 
good and ready to go. 

Postman. And did her think her naughty boy was never, 
never, never coming home to her any more ? 

Ruth (looks down pouting, plainly out of humor. He 
chucks her under the chin and she drazvs hack pettishly). 
I — I — I — just don't know what to think. First, you wouldn't 
let me read the postcards in the mail bag. Then you run off 
and I find you here, talking to that pretty woman. I — I 
just don't believe I like being married a single, solitary bit, 
so I don't. I believe I'll stay with mother. 

Postman. But, dearie, Hsten. 

Ruth. Don't want to! Go on home — go on, I say. 



34 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

(Stamps foot.) I came with mother and I can go home 
with her, too. Go on ! (Postman exits L. reluctantly, look- 
ing hack at her sadly. She follows to door, peeps out, 
listens eagerly, then runs to Clara in tears.) Oh, mother, 
he went ! He really, truly went ! He's just as mean as mean 
as mean as mean! (Sobs on Clara's shoulder.) 

Katherine. Listen a minute, ladies. (All give attention.) 
The Civics Club asked me to compose a catchy little toast 
to our city for the banquet tomorrow night. How will 
this do? 

There are cities who boast more, 

And towns that they toast more. 
And villages near that the newspapers roast more. 

With their maidens who gush more, 

And their young men who blush more, 
But they'll all have to rush more to rush more than Rush- 
more! 

Avis. Quite suggestive. 

Pearl. Great, Aunt Katherine ! 

Clara. Splendid, isn't it, Ruth? 

Ruth. Rather pretty. 

SusANNE. Swell dope, if you ask me. But — er — don't 
you think it sounds a little — fast ? Quite a movie effect, you 
know — the rushing, rushing, rushing of the film across the 
screen. (Dances up stage to illustrate.) It would make a 
scrumptious scenario. (At desk.) Have you any of the 
Duchess' novels? 

Avis. No. 

SusANNE. Mary J. Holmes? 

Avis. None. 

Susan NE. Laura Jean Libby? 

Avis (smiling). Nothing. 

SusANNE. Elinor Glyn? 

Avis. Not a thing. 

SusANNE. Dear me! How hopelessly behind the times. 
You sure do need to rush more if you keep your town 
on the map. Give me something of Charles Sheldon's or 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 35 

Ralph Connor's. Your preacher recommends them as good 
for my soul. (Avis rises, gets fico volumes and hands them 
to her.) One of each, eh? Thank you. {Walks dozvn to 
table and sits left, near Katherine.) 

Clara (leaning on desk at right side). Oh, Avis! Have 
you heard — 

Avis. Yes, Clara. Pearl, will you go and find the fourth 
volume of Gibbon's ''Roman Empire"? (Pearl exits C.) 

Clara. I was so excited about it, I thought Pd just have 
to come and tell you. I didn't want him to drop in and 
take you altogether by surprise. 

Avis. He couldn't do that, Clara. Pve been expecting 
him every minute of every day for the last ten years. I 
have heard his step in the hall, his voice outside the door, 
his fingers on the latch, his whistle on the air — oh, Clara ! 
He has never been away — never out of my life! 

Ruth (leaning on left side). I know. Just the way it 
was with me and Harold, till — till — (sobs). We'd better 
go, mother. Maybe he's sorry by this time. 

Clara. Yes, child, we'll go. But I just wanted to say, 
Avis, that I feel sure you are going to find the crowning 
happiness of a lifetime at last. 

Avis. But we do not find happiness, Clara. It is never 
the gift of environment or circumstance. It is a spontane- 
ous growth from within — born of the constant thoughts of 
one's inner being. 

Ruth (bewildered). But, Miss Hazlewood, if we look — 
oh, I don't know! 

Avis (rises, laying hand on Ruth''s shoidder and gently 
indicating the books). My child, the books and I have 
learned, long ago, that the outer binding and surroundings 
do not make our lives. It is what is inside the cover that 
tells the story. (Sits again as Clara and Ruth walk to 
door.) 

Clara (at door, looking over shoulder). If the Judge 
doesn't claim what's coming to him right here and now, he 
isn't fit to be a judge — so there! 

Exeunt Clara and Ruth. Pause. Enter Harding and 



36 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Mrs. E. They pause just inside door and Mrs. E. seems 
to be instructing Harding. Avis is busy at desk, Su- 
SANNE reading and Katherine writing at table on left. 
Pearl off C. After a brief discussion, zvith many gestures 
on her part, and nods of assent on his, Mrs. E. walks down 
front, sits at table on right, pretending to read, but watch- 
ing Harding closely and listening intently. 

Harding (adi'ancing to desk and speaking somezvhat re- 
luctantly). May I — er — speak to Miss Reynolds, please? 

Avis {surprised). To Miss Reynolds? Pearl? 

Harding. Yes. She is here, I suppose. She hasn't — 
er — run away? 

Avis {emphatically). Certainly not, Mr. Harding. She 
is here — attending to her usual duties. {Walks C. and calls.) 
Pearl, are you busy? 

Pearl {off C). Just looking. 

Avis. Come in a moment, please. (Avis resumes seat. 
Pearl enters C.) Mr. Harding wishes to see you. 

Pearl {zvondcringly) . To see me? {Walks to him.) 
Good evening, Mr. Harding. 

Harding. Good evening. I have heard of the — loss — 
of that — er — valuable book, here, Miss Reynolds, and I have 
felt called of the spirit to come and reason with you, to 
entreat you to confess and return the volume before it is 
everlastingly too late. 

Pearl. But, Mr. Harding, I tell you I haven't — 

Harding. There! There! Don't say another word. 
"Thou shalt not bear false witness" is just as important a 
command as "Thou shalt not steal." 

Pearl {wringing hands in despair). Oh, but I must tell 
the truth! I must — 

Harding {lays hand on her shoulder, but she shakes it 
off). Just what I am urging you to do, poor soul. Confess 
the wrong, restore the book, and be forgiven of your sins 
while yet there is time. Think of the trouble you are bring- 
ing upon Miss Hazlewood — 

Pearl {bezvildered, turning to Avis). Upon her? 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY Z7 

Harding. Of course. Trouble you could so easily save 
her if you would just be honest with yourself — and us all. 

Pearl. Trouble ? Upon Miss Avis ? I ? Oh, no, no, 
no — not that! I'd rather die than make her a moment's 
trouble. 

Harding. But you are not asked to die. You are asked 
to confess — 

Pearl. But, sir, you do not understand. I have never — 

(Mrs. E. rises, walks toward them. Pearl is between the 
two at center.) 

Harding. I beg your pardon, but I do understand, quite 
too well. I am grieved, shocked, amazed by your obstinacy 
— your hard-heartedness — your cruelty to Miss Hazlewood 
— and Mrs. Edgeworth says — 

Pearl (turning to Mrs. E.). So this is your fault, is it? 
I might have known. I did not take the book. I never even 
saw the book! If this was the Judgment Day and you were 
the Angel of Death itself, I could give no other answer. 
(Retreats to seat behind screen and sits, sobbing audibly.) 

Mrs. E. Brazen thing ! She has no shame, you see, Mr. 
Harding; no moral sense at all. She is unredeemable. I 
am sure — 

Katherine {rising). Mrs. Edgeworth, I cannot stand 
this. Pearl is my adopted child. She has lived with me 
ever since she was six years old, when I took her, mother- 
less and fatherless, from the arms of a dying nurse. I have 
always found her absolutely truthful, and I would stake 
my very Hfe on her honesty. 

Susanne {rising). Mr. Harding, may I speak to you? 
My conscience is giving me a great deal of trouble. 

Harding {with alacrity). Certainly. {They walk dozvn, 
sit right of table R. Susanne removes coat, hanging it over 
chair.) 

Mrs. E. You may stake your life as recklessly as you 
like, Katherine Carter. I am taking no such gambler's 
chance with mine, nor with anything belonging to me. 

Enter Judge Whitcomb, L. All turn to face him. 



38 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Judge. Good evening, ladies. Mrs. Edgeworth (shaking 
hands) ; Mrs. Carter (shaking hands) ; and — (looks toward 
desk as — ) 

Enter Sam, C. Avis rises, visibly moved. 

Judge. And here's dear old Samuel, too — as big and 
handsome as life! 

Sam (shaking hands). Mighty glad to see you, Judge 
Whitcomb. This old burg was sure rushing straight to 
wreck and ruin without you. 

Judge (bowing very low over Avis' hand). And how is 
the Lady of the Library? 

Avis. Very well, thank you. Judge. Very busy, as you 
see, and very happy to welcome you home again after all 
these years. 

Judge. How little you have changed, old friend. A queen 
among the books I left you here ; a queen I find you still, 
whose kingdom but grows more and more secure as her 
crown grows brighter with the passing of sunny days. 

Sam. Just what I was saying, Judge. (Avis sits.) 

Judge. I must not intrude nor interrupt your work, my 
library lady, but — 

Mrs. E. (zmlking up behind him). How well and pros- 
perous you are looking, Judge. 

Judge (trims to her reluctantly) . Well, I can certainly 
return the compliment, Mrs. Edgeworth. You all look 
pretty good to me. 

Katherine (crosses to desk, zvhile Mrs. E. leads Judge 
to table at left. He follozt^s with courtesy but obvious re- 
luctance). I must go, Miss Hazlewood. (Pearl rises from 
behind screen.) Come home as early as you can, Pearl 
dear. I'll be waiting up for you. 

Pearl. I will, Aunt Katherine, and — thank you for all 
your kindness. (Katherine exits L. Pearl resumes seat 
at typewriter.) 

Mrs. E. (standing dozvn front by table). And did you 
find your sister. Judge? 

Judge (leaning on chair back). No, Mrs. Edgeworth. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 39 

My mission to France, like all the other ventures of my life, 
seems to have been utterly in vain. My sister and her hus- 
band had both died very suddenly, of an epidemic. He was 
an artist, you know — care-free, with no thought for any mor- 
row — and their little girl — six years old, I believe — had been 
left to the uncertain care of a strange nurse. The young 
couple had been very, much in love and so utterly sufficient 
to one another that they had few friends — no very intimate 
ones — so I found very little clew to work upon. Gay Bo- 
hemia in Paris keeps no strings on its devotees ; so, though 
I spent the best part of ten years in a persistent search, I 
accomplished almost nothing. It is as though the earth had 
hungrily opened its greedy jaws and swallowed at one gulp 
every trace of the little one — the only one left in all the 
world of the boasted Whitcomb blood. 

Mrs. E. I am very sorry, Judge. We all hoped you 
would have better success. But we are glad to have you 
back in dear old Rushmore, and we hope the old place may 
still hold some charm for you. 

Judge. Thank you. You are very kind. 

Mrs. E. (turns back). There seems nothing else I can 
do here just now. (Looks at watch, zvalks back to desk.) It 
is nearly closing time. I will go home now. Miss Hazle- 
wood, for I must have a talk with, my son (with a sharp 
glance at Pearl), but I will be here again early in the morn- 
ing to resume this investigation. I shall never give up until 
this mystery is solved and the offender punished to the full 
demands of the crime. (Exits L.) 

Judge (takes newspaper from table and sits on bench 
behind table L., where he can zvatch Avis zvithont being 
seen). Everything looks so natural. The same old books, 
the same old tables and chairs, almost the same flowers in 
the same vase, with the same sweet face behind them that 
has smiled through all my dreams. (Pause. Sound of 
typezvriter.) That woman hoped there'd be some charm for 
me here. She little guesses what a magnet of fiery force 
this hallowed spot has ever been. It seems to me that every 
tendril of my hfe is firmly rooted here, and whenever I 



40 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

pull one up, it bleeds and leaves an open wound. (Pause. 
Typewriter.) Oh, Avis ! Avis ! Why have you thought it 
necessary to make both our lives so hard to live ? 

SvsANNE (looking across at him) . Muffled drums. Enter 
strong lead, v^eeping. Blue lights, turned lov^. Sound of 
rain outside. (Turns to Harding.) If you'll help me on 
with my coat, Mr. Harding. It is getting late, and time good 
little girls were dreaming of the angels. "I'm afraid to go 
home in the dark." 

Harding (rising, taking coat from chair and helping her 
awkzvardly) . It is not safe for a pretty girl like you. I 
think I'd better go with you — just to protect you, you know. 
(Exit Harding and Susanne, L.) 

Enter Sam, C, watching. 

Sam. Well, I'll just be — swallowed! (Exits C. in dis- 
gust.) 

Pause. Pearl typewrites. Enter Burr, cautiously looks 
around. 

Burr. Is mother here? 

Avis. No. 

Burr. Sure ? 

Avis. Perfectly sure. She went home several minutes 
ago. 

Pearl (taking sheet from typewriter and rising). And I 
was just going. (Starts C. for zvraps.) 

Burr. One minute, Pearl. 

Pearl (motioning him away). Wait. (Exits C.) 

Burr. Oh, Miss Hazlewobd, I don't know what to do, 
nor how to do it. 

Avis. Don't be unhappy about it, Burr. It will all come 
right someway. 

Burr. Do you think so? 

Avis. I know it. When we do the very best we know, 
at all times, and trust the bit of God in us to reveal the best 
when we do not know, things have to work around to make 
all our dreams come true. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 41 

Burr. God bless you, Miss Hazlewood. You're the best 
friend a fellow ever had. 

Re-enter Pearl, with wraps on. 

Pearl. What is it, Burr, you wished to say to me? 

Burr. I only wish to make you feel sure, Pearl, that I 
am not one bit to blame for anything that mother says and 
does. I cannot understand the attitude she is taking; but 
please believe that I am in no way implicated in anything 
that has taken place. (Leads her down front.) You beheve 
me, don't you ? 

Pearl. Why, certainly, Burr. I knew you — 

Burr. And I want to say, too, that I love you ; that I 
have always loved you ; that I always will love you, and that 
some day, whether you want to or not, you're going to marry 
me — if only to save my life. There's never been but one 
girl in all the world for me — and you are that one. You 
believe me, don't you? 

Pearl. I have to. Burr, when you say it that way, but — 

Burr. And don't you care for me a little? 

Pearl. I would if — 

Burr. If—? 

Pearl. If I dared, Burr. (Avis zvalks dozvn to thern.) 

Burr (putting arm about her). Dared? What's to hin- 
der? (Looks over shoulder at Avis.) Don't take her away 
from me, Miss Hazlewood. 

Avis. I certainly won't. There have been too many 
young loving hearts broken by interfering friends, my boy, 
however well meaning, for me to add even one to the num- 
ber. I shall, on the contrary, do all I can to help you both 
in the clearing up of this tangle. I do not wish to interfere 
in the slightest degree with your mother's authority, Burr; 
for of course it is only love for you that prompts her action, 
and she thinks she is doing the right and motherly thing; 
but it's a cruel and wicked thing to tear asunder two hearts 
that truly cling together in the only thing on earth that 
makes life really worth the living, and — 

Judge (has risen and gradually approached the group, 



42 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

unseen by any of them). Avis — Avis — do you mean what 
you have just said? Can it be possible that, after all these 
wasted years, you are beginning to realize what life — 
Enter Almira Hazlewood, L. 

Almira (commandingly). Avis! (Avis jumps and turns 
back.) Come! {Ayis starts tozvard her slowly. Judge /o/- 
lozvs to C. Avis exits C. for zwaps. Almira stands in 
doonvay C, barring the passage.) Don't come any nearer, 
sir! (Pause. They eye each other steadily.) 

Pearl (holds out hands to Burr, speaks tearfully). 
Take me home, Burr. (He puts his arm around her and 
leads her out L.) 

Judge finally turns away and zvalks to front of desk. Avis 
enters C. zvitli zuraps on and Almira hurries her out L., 
Avis giving a last glance over shoidder to Judge. 

(Judge zvalks up behind desk, fingers her pencils, cards, 
etc., picks up small lace handkerchief and presses it against 
cheek, sinking to chair and leaning on desk, zvith a sob.) 
Enter Sam, C. 

Sam (after a pause, zvatching Judge pityingly). Lights 
out. Judge! (Turns out light save the desk light, leaving 
only the Judge's head and face in viezv. Spotlight effect.) 

Slow Curtain. 



Act hi. 

Scene same as Acts I and II. Time, next evening. Avis 
is discoz'ered standing behind desk, looking at books R. Sam 
is on his knees, picking up scraps of paper in front of dic- 
tionary. After curtain is zvell up, there is a slight pause, 
broken by a cough from Sam. 

Avis (stirring slightly at the sound). Are you catching 
cold, Sam? 

Sam. No — papers. 

Avis (sighs and turns to desk, sitting zvearily). If we 
could only find that book, it would be the best day's work 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 43 

ever done in this library. It seems to me I've looked every- 
where — but of course I haven't. 

Sam. No ; for when you look the right where, you'll find 
the book will be right there (chanted in sing-song fashion, 
accenting the ''right/') 

Avis. Oh, Sam! Sam! Whoever thought it of you? 

Sam (rising apologetically). It's in the air, Miss Avis. 
A fellow can't keep company with all these fellows steady 
and not get a little of it in his blood. But look here, now. 
Don't you worry a bit more about that book. The Lord 
knows you hain't got it in your pocket, and He knows Miss 
Pearl hain't, and I hain't; but He knows it's got to come 
to light, too, don't He? So it stands to reason He'll attend 
to it, don't it? 

Avis. It should, Sam — if we knew how to trust His 
Providence more utterly. We haven't faith enough in the 
ought-to-be's, I'm afraid. But so many things have gone 
topsy-turvy lately it's hard to keep one's head in the right 
place sometimes. 

Enter Harding, L. Exit Sam zvith waste basket, C. 

Avis. Good evening, Mr. Harding. 

Harding. Good evening, Miss Hazlewood. Is Miss 
Reynolds here? 

Avis. No. She has worked very hard today and isn't 
at all well. I told her she needn't hurry back after supper. 
Did you wish to see her? 

Harding. Yes. I do wish the poor, misguided girl would 
confess her sin. It would be so much easier for her in the 
long run if she would just own up and — 

Avis (rising). Mr. Harding, she is not guilty of any- 
thing to confess. Can't you — won't you — understand that 
the child has no more to do with the loss of that book than 
I have — or you ! 

Harding. I, Miss Hazlewood — If You don't mean me, 
surely? Why, how could — 

Avis. Exactly. And how could she? She has never 
seen the volume. 



44 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Harding. Are you sure? 

Avis. Absolutely. 

Harding. Then who is guilty? 

Avis. What reason have we to think that anybody is ? 

Harding. Where is the book, then? 

Avis. That is the mystery, Mr. Harding, and the only 
one. 

Harding. But what do you know of this child — her par- 
entage and all that ? She's a veritable ''child of the people," 
is she not? 

Avis. I do not need to know more than I do, Mr. Har- 
ding, to feel sure she comes from refined, cultured ancestry. 
(Sits.) As for her story, it is soon told. Mrs. Carter 
brought her with her when she returned from Europe ten 

^ ^ ' Enter Katherine, L. 

Avis. Here is Mrs. Carter now. Perhaps she can tell 
you more. Mr. Harding is interested in Pearl's history, 
Mrs. Carter. 

Katherine. Very kind of Mr. Harding, I'm sure ; but 
there isn't much to be said. A nurse was bringing her to 
America to find her relatives. Cholera broke out aboard 
ship. The nurse died but the child lived. The nurse was 
stricken suddenly and was unable to say anything about the 
child, and of course the authorities destroyed any personal 
belongings that might have held a clew. I was then mourn- 
ing the loss of my own little one and gladly took this wee 
thing into my care. The only thing about her that could 
help in any way in identifying her was a pearl ring of curi- 
ous design suspended about her neck, because it was too 
large for her baby finger. She is wearing it now, though I 
have long given up all hope of finding her relatives, if any 
are living, who might be in any way connected with her. 

Enter Susanne, L. 

Harding. I see. It's a peculiar case. 
Katherine. Unusual, perhaps. I don't know that it can 
be termed peculiar. 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 45 

SusANNE (at desk). Have you any Bible stories, Miss 
Hazlewood? (Katherine smiles and walks down to table 
R., sits at left side.) 

Avis. I believe we have a few collections, Miss — er — 
Mrs.— 

SusANNE. Better say "Mrs. Miller." That'll be nearer 
the legal thing here. 

Harding. I know where they are, Mrs. Miller. L will 

show them to you, if I may. {She takes his arm. They 

exit C I 

Enter Mrs. Edgeworth, L. 

Mrs. E. {looking all around, beJiind screen, etc., before 
speaking). Isn't your assistant in? 

Avis. Not yet. 

Mrs. E. {significantly) . Do you think she will be? 

Avis. Certainly. 

Mrs. E. It wouldn't be wise for her to attempt to leave 
town. Lias she returned the book? {Stands right side of 
desk.) 

Avis. Mrs. Edgeworth, Pearl has never had any book 
to return. 

Mrs. E. Nonsense, Miss Hazlewood. I am surprised. 
I thought you were too conscientious to shield any offender 
from the consequences of a downright crime. 

Avis {rising). Mrs. Edgeworth! 

Re-enter Harding and Susanne, C. Take positions L. * 

Mrs. E. As President of the Library Board I insist upon 
the immediate return of that book or the dismissal of Miss 
Reynolds from the service. Do you understand? (Kath- 
erine rises, walks up right.) 

Enter Sam, stands C. entrance, listening. 

Avis. I do understand, Mrs. Edgeworth, and as the II- 
brain of this library, who has been its loyal servant and 
devoted lover of every book for thirty years this June, I 
here and now resign my position and declare the post vacant 
from this moment. 



46 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

All (in consternation). What? 

(Picture : Harding and Susanne, left; Mrs. E. and 
Katherine, R.; Avis and Sam, C.) 

Avis (mith firm dignity) . I mean it every word. (Walks 

Mrs. F,. (astounded) . But Rachel and Almira — 

Avis. Have nothing whatever to say in the matter. 
(Turns, walks down front.) 

Susanne. Rattle of drums, clash of cymbals. Enter 
villainess. Fall, fair heroine. Quick curtain. Let's go 
back to the Bible stories. (Exit Susanne and Harding, 
C, followed by Sam.) 

Katherine (intercepting Avis at center-front, tvhile Mrs. 
E. sits desk). Miss Hazlewood, I certainly thank you for 
your kindness to my poor child. 

Avis (shaking hands). Not kindness, Mrs. Carter, but 
common justice. (Katherine goes to bench L. and sits.) 
I will wait here until she comes. (Turns to books, R.) 
Good-bye, dear old friends. I have loved you long and 
faithfully, and I believe you understand me. (Drazvs hand 
along than caressingly.) You know I am not deserting you, 
for my heart will return to linger here with you as long as 
it has any strength or emotion to throb with life at all. 
(Pause. Sits table R., facing front.) 

• Re-enter Harding and Susanne with books. Sit table L. 
Enter Judge Whitcomb^ L. 

Judge (startled). Mrs. Edgeworth, you here? Where 
is — (looks down, sees Avis and walks dozmi tozvard her 
with puzzled air.) Ah! I see. (Pauses behind Avis'* chair.) 
Avis, it is a stupendous thought that — 

Harding (who has risen and come to meet him). Good 
evening, sir. Are you Judge Whitcomb? 

Judge (shaking hands zmth wondering air). I am, sir. 
But I do not seem to remember you. 

Harding. Of course not. (Leads down to left table.) 
Let's sit down. (They sit right side of L. table.) Vm a new 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 47 

man, you see. The new minister here, in fact. My name's 
Harding. 

Judge (courteously). Glad to know you 

Harding. Queer case — this book mix-up, eh? 

Judge. I haven't heard of any. 

Harding. What ? Why, the girl — the foundling — orphan 
waif, you know — the little girl with the pearl ring — 

Judge (springing to feet). The little girl with the pearl 
ring? Explain yourself! What little girl, and what ring? 
Don't trifle with me, sir. My sister had a pearl ring — a 
peculiar setting — and the little girl wore it round her neck 
when the nurse — 

Katherine (springing to feet, across table from him). 
What, sir? Do you mean that? Are you sure? 

Judge. Absolutely. 

Katherine. Oh, Judge! My little girl — Pearl Rey- 
nolds — 

Judge. Reynolds? That's the name — tell me where — 

Enter Pearl, L. 

Katherine. Llere! Come here. Pearl! (Pearl walks 
down to them.) Show the Judge your ring. (Mrs. E. fol- 
lozvs her down, listening eagerly.) 

Judge (takes Pearl's hand and examines the ring very 
closely, then turns her face to the light and scans her 
closely.) It is she — my sister Ada's very face, and — yes, the 
ring! In it is engraved the words, ''N'ouhliez" — which 
means, of course, "Do not forget." 

Pearl. Yes, yes ! And who are you ? 

Judge. Your uncle, little girl, who has been searching 
for you for ten long years. I watched you last night and 
vv'ondered why your face and form were so familiar, and 
why your voice had such a subtle power to stir my memory. 
I did not dream — (holds out arms to her and she goes to 
him). 

Pearl. Then I am not an outcast — a foundling — a no- 
body — a — 

Judge. Don't, my child. You are my only sister's girl^ 



48 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

and to think that while I was searching the world for you, 
here you were, safe and sound, in my own home town ! Mrs. 
Carter, how can I ever thank you ? 

Katheri'^e (shaking hands). By not trying, Judge. She 
has been a constant joy to me. (Telephone rings, Mrs. E. 
looks at Avis. Avis pays no attention. All look at first one, 
then the other. Bell rings again. Avis looks at Mrs. E= 
Mrs. E. motions to her, but she shakes her head emphat- 
ically and returns to a magazine. Pearl goes and sits by 
her and they talk in dumb shozv. Judge stands behind 
Pearl. Mrs. E. reluctantly goes to telephone after it rings 
the third time. The others resume seats.) 

Mrs. E. (at 'phone). Hello! . . . Yes, this is the library. 
. . . No, it's Mrs. Edgeworth talking. . . . No, Miss 
Crompton, we haven't found it yet, but I am sure we will 
come across it before long. . . . Oh, no ! Of course the dear 
child was not at all to blame. ... So kind of you to say 
so, but of course nobody could have thought she knew any- 
thing about it. . . . Good-bye. 

Judge. What is this I hear about some book ? What book 
is it, and what is wrong? (All look from one to the other, 
each zvaiting for the other to speak.) 

Mrs. E. a book was lost from the shelves. Judge — a 
very rare volume — "The Philosophy of Epictetus" — 

Judge. That book? Why, I gave it to the library myself, 
and I was reading it the very last night I was here, ten years 
ago. I remember it as though it were yesterday. I was 
dreaming of — well, no matter what — and absent-mindedly 
carried it home with me. 

Enter Burr, L. Walks dozvn to group. 

Judge. I was about to walk back to the library to return 
it to its place, when I received the cable that my sister was 
dying in Paris, and I knew I must leave Rushmore on the 
midnight train in order to catch a steamer in New York. 
I wrote a long letter to — well, no matter whom, but it was 
of most vital importance to me — and slipped it inside the 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 49 

book, sending it by a small boy to the library. Let me see, 
who could that youngster have been? 

Burr (coming forzvard). I am the guilty one, sir. 

Mrs. E. {horrified). Burr? You! {All rise with in- 
terest.) 

Burr. Yes, sir — I. If you'll remember, sir, you told me 
to be sure and give it to Miss Avis, and let nobody else see 
me. Well, sir, Miss Avis v^asn't here, but her big sister was, 
and I didn't dare give it to her, of course, so I hid it. 

All. Where ? 

Burr. I don't remember where, sir. I was just a little 
shaver — only ten, you know — and you didn't say there was 
a letter in it. 

Judge (softly). That was my secret. 

Mrs. E. I am astounded, Burr. You — my son — respon- 
sible for all this trouble ! Why didn't you tell us when we 
first discovered the loss of the book? 

Burr. Heavens and earth ! It never once dawned on me 
that that book was the one that was raising such a hubbub. 
I had completely forgotten the blamed thing, and — and — 
(glancing slyly at Pearl) I was thinking about something 
else. 

Judge. Could you have put it — 

Burr. Wait — I seem to catch a glimmer of an idea ! I 
believe I can find it. (Exit Burr, C. All but Judge and 
Avis sit. They walk front.) 

Judge. And you never got my letter. Avis? 

Avis. I have had no word from you for ten years, Oliver. 

Judge. And that is why you didn't answer? 

Avis. Of course. What was there for me to answer? 

Judge. What a fool I've been. Come. We must find 
that book. (Starts up stage zvith her. Mrs. E. stops him 
at C.) 

Mrs. E. Just a minute, Judge. I want to ask your con- 
sent to your niece's marriage to my son. 

luDGE. What ? So soon ? I shall be very, very particular 
wlio wins Pearl's heart and hand, Mrs. Edgeworth. The 
Whitcomb's have never made unworthy alliances. (He 



50 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

stands behind Pearl''s chair, hand on her shoulder. Avis 
sits by her. Mrs. E. stands by Judge. The others have 
their former seats.) 

Mrs. E. But they have been in love with each other for 
a long time, and I have always hoped the dear girl would 
take pity on him. She is such a sweet, winsome child. 
(To Pearl, who winces and shrinks from her). You won't 
say "No" to my poor Burr, will you, dear child? (Pearl 
rises, faces Mrs. E.) 

Pearl. I do not know what I may find it in my heart 
to say to Burr. I have nothing whatever to say to his 
mother. (Avis rises and walks zvith Pearl to bench. 
Pearl sits. ■ Avis turns and crosses to books at R., fingering 
them tenderly.) 

Enter Postman and Ruth. Mrs. E. meets them. 

RtjTH. We want a real good novel, if you please — some- 
thing about honeymoons and newly-weds, and all that. 
We've just made up, you see, and — 

Postman. Nonsense, honey, we didn't quarrel. (Mrs. 
E. hands book.) 

Ruth. We came awful close. 'Tain't nice to quarrel; 
but— 

Postman. We do love the making-up, don't we? {They 
exeunt L. As they are leaving Ruth sees Susanne and 
makes up face at her. Susanne laughs loud.) 

Susanne. Exit wicked temptress. Enter lovey-dovey. 
Spoons clash. Lights low. 

Enter Burr, C, dusting book. 

Burr. Here's the book, sir. 

Judge. Dear old Epictetus! Where did you find it? 

Burr. Down in the basement, in a niche between two 
stones. I knew it would keep dry there and nobody could 
ever find it. {Crosses and sits by Pearl.) 

Susanne. Fancy a town where a book could be lost for 
ten years having the nerve to call itself Rushmore ! 

Judge {reads). "True education lies in learning to wish 
things to be as they actually are ; it lies in learning to dis- 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 51 

tinguish what is our own from what does not belong to us." 
That's the very sentence I was pondering over at this very 
table ten years ago. And here is the letter. 

Avis (crossing to him, holding out hand). My letter, if 
you please, Oliver. 

Judge (handing it to her). Yes, Avis, and may It speak 
to your heart now all that I hoped it would whisper then. 
(Reads.) "But there is only one thing which is fully our 
own ; that is, our will or purpose. God has given us a will 
which cannot be restrained, compelled or thwarted ; He has 
put it wholly in our own power, so that even He Himself has 
no power to check or control it. Nothing external, neither 
death nor exile, nor pain, nor any such thing, is ever the 
cause of our acting or not acting; the sole true cause lies 
in our opinions and judgments." 

Burr (leading Pearl to him). Judge Whitcomb, I re- 
stored to you the letter — your chance of happiness. Will you 
give me mine ? 

Judge (putting hand under her chin to raise her face). 
Ts it your wish, little girl? 

Pearl. It zvas, Judge. 

Judge. "Uncle Oliver," if you please, my dear. 

Pearl. Y^es, Uncle Oliver. I'll soon get used to really, 
truly belonging to somebody. 

Judge. Of course you will. And you want to belong 
to— 

Pearl. You mean Burr? 

Judge. Yes, this presumptuous youngster who asks me 
for my pearl, as soon as I've found it — after ten years look- 
ing, too. Nervy, I call it. 

Pearl. Burr's the very best boy in all the world, Uncle, 
and I think it would be just heaven on earth to belong to 
him; but his mother — (looks around, to be sure Mrs. E. is 
at desk) I just can't marry his mother." 

Judge. Never mind his mother. (Turns to Burr.) 
Will you act the man to her, boy? 

Burr. I will — God helping me, Judge! 



52 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

Judge. Then {places Pearl^s hand in Burr's). Make 
her happy. 

Burr. Thank you, sir. Come, Pearl. {Leads her hack. 
Pauses at desk.) Mother, we will try to forgive you, but 
you nearly killed us both. If she hadn't loved me even 
more than she feared you, we might have served our sixty 
years, too. 

Pearl (softly). ''Perfect love casteth out fear." (They 
exeunt L.) 

Mrs. E. (starts L. as Katherine ivalks hack. They 
meet near door). I must go with them. I have always 
longed for a daughter. (Ta^^j Katherine's arm.) Come, 
Mrs. Carter. Take me home with you. (Susanne and 
Harding risc^ walk up stage.) 

Susanne. Dear me! I do seem to need so much re- 
ligious instruction. Pm afraid I won't make a very good 
minister's wife. Pm not so very crazy about Ladies' Aid, 
Missionary Societies, and all that. But if you really think 
you can convert me, Pll think it over — and — 

Harding. You'll give up the movies? 

Susanne. \\^ell, maybe. And when I get my divorce all 
safe and sound for this State, Pll — 

Harding. Divorce! Divorce! (Staggers hack zmtJi 
hoth hands up in horror, as if to ward her off. She advances, 
laughing teasingly. He hacks to C. and staggers hackzvard 
into the arms of Sam, zvho enters C. just in time.) 

Sam. Well, I'll be everlastingly coughed up and spit out! 

Harding. Thank you, sir. Thank you. I — I — go away, 
lady — please go away! 

Susanne. Anything to oblige. (Dances off L., kissing 
her hand to him.) 

Harding (shaking Sam's hand). Oh, what a rescue, 
sir I What a rescue! Can you assist me out the door, sir? 
I — I fear my heart is weak! (Exeunt Harding and Sam, 
left, Sam supporting Harding.) 

Judge (ivalks and stands behind Avis' chair, left front, 
Zi'here she has been reading and re-reading letter ever since 
he gave it to her.) Have you read the letter, Avis? 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 53 

Avis. Yes. 

Judge. And what's the answer? (Pause. She looks 
dozvn.) Surely you cannot call it sudden. I've waited ten 
years for an answer to that letter, Avis. 

Avis. And I've waited ten years for the letter, Oliver. 
I wanted it — ah, how I wanted it — that night, ten years 
ago ! I was expecting it — ready for it — hoping for it — but 
it never, never came! 

Oliver. But you have always known — always ! And to- 
night the barriers are all torn down. 

Avis {rising). But, Oliver, consider our age. 

Judge. That's just exactly what I am considering. Avis. 
We've no time to waste. Sit down, sweetheart — here. 
{Pulls out chair and seats her in it at foot of table R., seat- 
ing himself just across from her.) 

While these changes are being made, Sam re-enters, L., 
sees the situation, smiles and exits C, whistling ''Silver 
Threads Among the Gold,'' or some other appropriate old 
melody. 

Judge. When you were ten you made mud pies for me 
in the playhouse I built, and you vowed every single day, 
and many times a day, that you'd be my little wife for ever 
and ever, amen ! Do you remember, dear ? 

Avis. Yes. 

Judge. When you were twenty, you wanted to go to col- 
lege before we settled down to married monotony, and I 
couldn't refuse you anything. My arms were aching for 
you, but I consented. 

Avis. Yes, you were so good about it, Oliver. 

Judge. Then, before we knew it, you were thirty. Your 
mother had lost her property and needed your support. You 
were too proud and independent to let me supply the help 
I craved to give you. Oh, Avis, did you guess how it made 
me suffer when that joy was denied me and you came in 
here to work your days away? 

Avis. I felt it, Oliver, but it seemed my duty — then. 

Judge. Maybe so. Anyway, it was your decree, and I 
submitted. And so time went on. The time came when 



54 THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 

your years numbered forty, and the bright locks were 
threaded with silver. The little mother was gone ; but Ra- 
chel and Almira seemed to have more influence with you 
than I did — or else you thought they needed you more. 
Anyway, ten long years of waiting was added to my sen- 
tence. 

Avis. Do you think it was easy for me, Oliver? 

Judge. You did not suffer as I did, sweetheart, for I 
was all alone then. Ten years ago you were fifty — just as 
fair and beautiful as at twenty — at least to me. Financial 
affairs had adjusted themselves ; the old investment had 
begun to render up its dividends, and so far as I could see 
there was nothing left to separate us. But my letter re- 
mained unanswered — even unnoticed — and until tonight I 
did not dream that you had not received it. {Reaches across 
table and takes her hand in his.) Now, what is it to be? 
I have considered our age, dear, and I am not willing to 
serve another ten years. I want you, too, to consider it. 
(Pause.) 

Avis (rising). But Rachel and Almira. 

Judge (springing up, impatiently). Hang Rachel and 
Almira ! 

Avis (goes to him and lays finger on his lip). I haven't 
heard you use that word for forty years. 

Judge (fakes her hand from his lips and holds it against 
cheek). I haven't had sufficient provocation. It's the 
Judge's right to pass sentence of execution in extreme cases. 

Avis. But think how they need me. 

Judge. How about my need? (Pauses. She looks 
dozvn.) Where does your heart lead ? Come, let us go and 
get a license, look up that new minister and just — go back 
to playing house. 

Enter Rachel and Almira, L. 

Avis (drawing azvay). Oh, I couldn't — I daren't! Rachel 
and Almira would never give their consent. 

Judge. Nonsense. When will you come of age. It seems 
to me — 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 55 

Rachel (shocked). Avis! 

Avis (turning in fright) . Yes, Rachel. 

Almira. It's closing time. Are you ready? 

Avis (looks from her to Judge and hack again). I — I — 
yes — no — I don't think so, Almira. 

Judge. The fact is. Miss Hazlewood, and Miss Rachel, 
I have just asked Avis — for the sixth or seventh time, I 
believe — to be my wife. 

Almira. What? You dared — without asking me first? 

Rachel. Or me! 

Judge. But I didn't want you — nor you! (Speaking to 
each in turn.) I wanted Avis! 

Almira. Thank goodness, Avis has been too well 
brought up to listen to you. 

Rachel. Get your wraps, Avis, and — 

Avis (zuith sudden decision). No, Rachel, I'm not going. 

Almira. What ? 

Rachel. Why ? 

Avis (laying hand on Judge's arm). Oliver wants me. 

Rachel. What of that? 

Almira. Are you crazy? 

Avis. I guess so. Anyway, I don't care! I don't care! 
I want Oliver. 

Rachel a7ic? Almira (together). Why, Avis Hazlewood! 
(They start to separate the Judge and Avis.) 

Enter Sam, C. 

Sam (catching each by the arm just before they reach 
the tzvo). Don't interrupt, ladies. That strikes me as a pri- 
vate conversation — a case of "two's company" — four ain't! 
It's time for you and me to step out of the way and give 
them young folks a chance. 

Rachel and Almira (struggling to escape as he drazvs 
them back). Sir! Stop! 

Sam. Come quietly, ladies. Step softly. 'Tain't our 
butt-in. It's Judge Whitcomb's turn now. (He draas them 
out C.) 



56 



THE LADY OF THE LIBRARY 



Judge (holds out arms). Avis! 

Avis. Yes, Oliver. (In his arms.) Is it too late to find 
the minister? 

Sam (at C). Lights out, Judge! (Turns out lights, 
throwing spotlight on the two, their faces together.) 

Curtain. 



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For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotcli, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 



LIBRPJiY OF CONGRESS 

HH 

018 348 641 ft • DC 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Play;^ With Drills. , 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, exercises, recltati. ...s. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great varietj' of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

Entirely original features. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Private Theatricals. 

How to put on plays. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel; for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

Black American Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland,via the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gag s, etc. 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers, 1 54 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



